Are you troubled by a red, angry bump on the eyelid that seems to have just appeared out of the blue? This may be a stye or chalazion! In this post, let's learn how to recognize and manage these bothersome eyelid bumps.
Firstly, a stye occurs when one of the tiny oil glands along the edge of the eyelid becomes blocked or infected. This results in a localized swelling or lump, often accompanied by redness and tenderness. The same thing happens in a chalazion, except that it affects one of the deeper oil glands in the eyelid itself. In essence, you have developed a zit on the eyelid!
Now, what steps should you take if you find yourself dealing with a stye or chalazion? Here are some essential tips:
Hands Off, Please! Resist the temptation to touch or squeeze the affected area. Our hands harbor bacteria that can worsen the infection and delay healing. Keeping your hands away from your eyes is crucial for preventing further irritation.
Warm Compress Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid can provide relief and encourage the lump to resolve on its own. Use a clean, damp washcloth heated to a comfortable temperature and gently place it over the closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.
Maintain Optimal Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene is paramount during stye management. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, particularly before touching your eyes. Additionally, avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has healed to prevent further contamination.
Don't Pop It! Attempting to manipulate or "pop" a stye at home is not recommended. Doing so can lead to complications such as spreading of the infection or causing damage to the surrounding tissue.
Seek Professional Help: If the stye persists or worsens despite home treatment, it's best to seek evaluation by a family physician. They can assess the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate interventions, such as prescription ointment or oral antibiotics. However, if the lump is large and painful, then see an Eye Doctor for advice as to whether a minor drainage procedures in the clinic is necessary.
While styes and chalazions may be a common nuisance, they can typically be managed effectively with conservative measures. But for persistent or concerning symptoms, it is best to get professional help early in order to prevent any further complications!
For an appointment to be seen within 24 hours, please contact Dr Khor Wei Boon :
1) Whatsapp +65 9755 2895 for an appointment
2) call us at +65 6836 0900
3) email us at appointments@eyevision.com.sg
.
Comments